The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursuing Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, the suspect in a brazen robbery targeting an 83-year-old woman outside an Orlando convenience store. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, unfolded on Wednesday morning near the intersection of Curry Ford Road and S. Goldenrod Road. The elderly victim, whose identity has been withheld, had just exited the store with $200 in lottery winnings when Fleury initiated the attack.
The surveillance video depicts Fleury approaching the unsuspecting woman from behind and attempting to snatch the cash from her hand. A brief verbal exchange ensued before another individual emerged from the store, seemingly urging Fleury to desist. Disregarding the intervention, Fleury escalated his aggression, engaging in a physical struggle with the elderly woman to seize the money. The second man attempted to intervene, pulling Fleury away from the victim, but Fleury’s persistence culminated in him dragging the woman across the parking lot until he successfully wrestled the winnings from her grasp.
Even after obtaining the money, Fleury’s aggression continued. When the second man, presumably in an attempt to retrieve the stolen funds, approached Fleury, he was met with a shove before Fleury fled the scene. As of the latest reports, Fleury remains at large, and law enforcement is urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of elderly citizens to opportunistic criminals and highlights the importance of community vigilance. The audacity of Fleury’s actions, carried out in broad daylight and captured on camera, has sparked outrage and concern within the community. The elderly victim’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures and awareness, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for Fleury, charging him with robbery, sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 or older. These charges reflect the severity of the crime and the blatant disregard for the victim’s age and vulnerability. The swift action by law enforcement in issuing the warrant demonstrates their commitment to apprehending Fleury and bringing him to justice.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate Fleury. The cooperation of the public is crucial in ensuring his swift apprehension and preventing further incidents of this nature. The convenience store employee’s account of Fleury’s past behavior suggests a pattern of disruptive conduct, adding urgency to the efforts to locate him. The community’s collective vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement are essential in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and maintaining a safe environment for all. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect the elderly and ensure their safety within the community.
